White Horse Sessions: Dead Feather Moon "Always Around" from Sound System on Vimeo.
Upon my Monday night arrival, we decided to lay low. Other than some slices at Francesco's and some wine for home, we didn't do much of anything, which was just fine by me.
On Tuesday I woke up crazy early which is a bit opposite of what is supposed to happen, but I suppose it helps that I never really sleep normal hours anywhere. I did some work, walked my cousin to her train. Then grabbed breakfast at Lansky's, this kosher diner near her house. I walked back through the park, lounged and worked back at the pad, then ventured to meet Joanna, a publicist that I've been working with for years now, for lunch. I was really early which gave me some time to shop. Despite all my whining about being poor, there were a couple things I needed...some good bras and some sneakers with traction (since I almost ate shit 3 separate times when it started raining). We had lunch at Markt which served Belgian food and had a menu resembling Bleu Boheme. We talked D/Wolves, TV Girl, Transfer and others and then she was back to work. I wandered in the rain until connecting with Inge from Girlie Action and decided to drop by their offices, too, meeting the team responsible for much of my email, but also much of my tasty music. We chatted for a bit, I got some new music (including the new MMJ!!!) and then went back to the fashion district to meet my cousin. We relaxed a bit before grabbing an amazing Spanish dinner at Cafe Rondo. Beef empanadas, lamb albondigas, tortilla espanola, gambas al ajillo, and shared a buterrflied filet with chimichurri. Delicioso.
It was getting late so we went home and watched The Voice until she called it a night and I left to see what trouble I could find. My cousin lets me do what I want, but I was under orders not to take the subway after 10pm, so I found a small bar, had a beer and then got a call from Mike Down. He's consulting for a bar called Von, so I hopped in a cab and met him there. I also met his friend who happens to be a tattoo artist. I think I might have to get some ink to commemorate this trip.
Anyway, I think I'll conclude my story here. Let's just say it went something like smithwick's, jameson, smithwick's, jameson, jameson, jammmmeeeesooooonnnn, jamsn, and I woke up in Brooklyn. No tattoo, but breakfast delivery is the best thing ever. ;)
Now I'm heading south to meet up with Jesse. He's already hard to nail down plans with, but apparently he's already spent half the day cocktailing so though we were supposed to spend the day in Brooklyn, we still have yet to meet up. Nima is on his way to the city, too. I just hope my liver can withstand the night ahead.
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I'm absolutely thrilled about tonight's Casbah lineup with Rocky Votolato, Laura Gibson, and Jesse LaMonaca. In case you're new to this site, Rocky has been one of my favorite songwriters for eons and every performance is nothing short of amazing, whether he's with a full band, or, like tonight, delivering a solo performance. I'm happy that over the years I can call Rocky a friend and glad that he's persevered all of these years. If you haven't picked up True Devotion, I'd recommend bringing some cash to the show because I'm pretty sure he'll have it on vinyl which is obviously the best way to hear it, preferably in a quiet dimly lit room. The show is not only Plan A in CityBeat, but it's the only plan, and for good reason. Be sure to check out the great article about Jesse, also in this week's issue, though contrary to the article, he will just be performing with Brandon Conway on guitar. His birthday is on Sunday, so be sure to wish him well, and get there early to catch his 9pm set.
What an incredible day I had. It started with our weekly Casbah meeting, so I have a whole bunch of shows to update this week. Be sure to check the site for the "recently added" shows in the pulldown menu. I'll try to update by Friday.
Sometimes life is about being in the right place at the right time. When I met some guys at a True Blood party at Comic-con 2009, a friendship was sprung that has lasted over time and some of my best times ever are from hanging with them at the Con. Last year they told me about a company they were developing and over time they wanted to pick my brain about some things. I had forgotten about the conversation until last week, when a group of us were at the Everest show at the Belly Up. We had a cocktail party before and had try to convince Jesse LaMonaca to come to the show; as it turned out his buddy had an extra ticket. We were all enjoying the show when I got a text from Jared asking if I wanted to come to NAMM and I was welcome to bring a guest. By the time the night was through, plans solidified, and by Friday morning, Jesse and I were driving up to Anaheim. After a few hours at the convention center, I stepped outside and got to chatting with a man who turned out to be an artist rep for Luna Guitars. I shared what I do with him and mentioned Jesse. Long story short, we were asked to come back by and take a look at some guitars, which turned into an impromptu performance at the Luna booth. Jesse and Brandon played two songs. Here is one of them.
I know there are a lot of holiday orphans out there. Maybe your family lives elsewhere, maybe your family is crazy (who's isn't?), maybe you don't have family to go home to...My family is spending a few days at Harrah's Rincon Casino but since I can't abandon my work or my dog, I won't be back with them until Christmas. Last week, when Jesse LaMonaca played West Coast Tavern, I was blown away by his talent and I asked if he wanted to play again this week and when he said playing would be better than being alone for the holidays, it got me thinking about how many people experience the same sentiment during the holidays.
